Herbert Asquith

Herbert Asquith, born on March 11, 1881, and died on August 5, 1947, was an English poet and novelist, the second son of British Prime Minister H. H. Asquith. Educated at Winchester College and Balliol College, Oxford, he became a prominent literary figure in the early 20th century. Asquith is known for his war poetry, capturing the poignant experiences of soldiers during World War I. His notable works include 'The Volunteer' and 'The Fallen Subaltern', reflecting the valor and sacrifice of combatants. His literary contributions provide a significant insight into wartime sentiment.

March 11, 1881

August 5, 1947

English

Herbert Asquith

The Volunteer

Here lies the clerk who half his life had spent
Toiling at ledgers in a city grey,
Thinking that so his days would drift away
With no lance broken in life's tournament:
Yet ever 'twixt the books and his bright eyes
The gleaming eagles of the legions came,
And horsemen, charging under phantom skies,
Went thundering past beneath the oriflamme.

And now those waiting dreams are satisfied;
From twilight to the halls of dawn he went;
His lance is broken; but he lies content
With that high hour, in which he lived and died.
And falling thus, he wants no recompense,
Who found his battle in the last resort;
Nor needs he any hearse to bear him hence,
Who goes to join the men of Agincourt.

Herbert Asquith